New college of business name emphasizes role of technology and career readiness

As technology changes, so does business education — and Georgia College & State University’s J. Whitney Bunting College of Business is changing with it.

The school became the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business and Technology.

The new name acknowledges the rapidly advancing role of technology in the business environment. In the future, nine out of 10 jobs will require digital skills, according to the World Economic Forum.

“Technology drives so many changes we witness around us—in business, society, and in our personal lives,” President Cathy Cox said. “Georgia College understands the immense importance of these changes and is committed to offering a curriculum that completely embraces technology.”

Cox pointed to the university’s public liberal arts mission as a dynamic and career-focused approach to provide students with cutting-edge skills and adaptability.

Other changes in the business college include:

A new name for Georgia College’s

• Accounting Department, now called the department of accounting and business law. The department already housed faculty who teach business law and ethics, a core requirement for a business degree. The new name reflects that.

The introduction of a new Bachelor of Science degree in data science.

• Employers say they want workers who can interpret and understand data, do quantitative analysis and use predictive modeling. A new Bachelor of Science degree in finance that provides an optional • concentration in financial technology. This will include courses in financial management and programming, financial forecasting and payment processing.

The launch of a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship this fall.

• This initiative will provide students, faculty and community members with opportunities to collaborate and advance regional economic development.

“A liberal arts education equips students with the critical thinking necessary to navigate the complexities of life and become 21stcentury leaders,” she said.

“In today’s rapidly changing society, it is more important than ever to ensure that the liberal arts curriculum at Georgia College will continue to evolve in order to meet employer needs,” said Dr. Micheal Stratton, dean of the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business and Technology.

“Technology is embedded into the fabric of all our teaching and learning experiences,” he said.

“These experiences will differentiate our students in the marketplace and help them stand out to employers.”